Trinidad & Tobago overwhelming in first victory

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad & Tobago, October 13, 2017.- Trinidad & Tobago prevailed over Dominica with an overwhelming 3-0 (25-16, 25-7, 25-9) performance on day one of competition at the NORCECA Group C Qualifier at the National Cycling Centre in Port of Spain.

The home team showed a powerful attack and solid performance. Trinidad & Tobago had no difficulties to finish on top in 55 minutes, despite failing numerous serves, which in the end was their best feature.

Trinidad & Tobago held huge advantage of 36-4 in attacks, as well as 18-2 in aces; they were also better 3-1 in blocking.

Channon Thompson led the actions for Trinidad & Tobago with a match-high of 20 points, including 10 attacks, 9 aces and one block. Sinead Jack contributed with 14 points for the home team.

Trinidad and Tobago will meet with Costa Rica on day two of competition.

Krystle Esdelle, Captain of Trinidad & Tobago: “I am very satisfied with the result. Technically speaking, our communication was impressive, we didn’t let anything get us down; if we lost a ball we kept on going and kept focused. We have many goals this weekend and we have to maintain moving. We will build on what we did today to continue with a powerful service and play hard; we won’t give up”.

Francisco Cruz, Head Coach of Trinidad & Tobago: “We missed many serves because we are not adjusted to the court yet.  My athletes have a higher game level than this one; the thing is that our opponent did not challenge us. This victory adds, but tomorrow is a whole new game.  I’ve been waiting for a long time for my players to have such good attitude; they have transformed their state of mind since playing Grand Prix”.

Albert Loblack, Head Coach of Dominica: “Trinidad has more experience; they are a more talented team, with taller and stronger players. We did not do what we could; if we would have stuck to the basis we would have had a better showing. The ladies should have followed instructions better”.

Anna Xavier, Captain of Dominica: “The girls never lost a positive spirit, always going after the ball. On the negative side, we need to focus more and stick to what our coach was telling us in terms of positional play, keep up with that positions to do better in defending”.